Another Christmas has come and gone and another good year for our biggest fundraiser – our brilliant Sleigh and our great Santas and helpers. Three thousand pounds thanks to the generosity of the people of Chesterfield, Bolsover and Clowne every penny to be used for the good works that our great organisation is renowned for.
BUT don’t forget the great JOY AND EXCITEMENT that we have brought to children and families all over our patch.
We started the campaign in November at the Bolsover Christmas Festival. A great day meeting families and children all day as excitement mounted for the fantastic Lantern Parade. Then with John providing the reindeer and Rotary and David Coupe leading the best Lantern parade ever we got Santa season off to a wonderful start.
Our club Santas have thrilled the children at our local schools. . Mike Lawman did his stuff to excite 100 pupils at Palterton primary and Geoff Davis gave presents to 100 kids at Scarcliffe , John Gillies appeared at his Alma Mater Brockley Primary. Geoff did a double shift to wind up 250 at Welbeck Road School. We were much appreciated at Hill Top Club’s children’s party with sleigh presents and photos, another 40 happy children. We have received thanks from The Model Village committee for the very enjoyable event down on The Model who complimented us on our professionalism and joy we brought to the 70 kids. With special thanks to Mick Reed who provided every child with a photo of them meeting Santa as a wonderful memento of their childhood.
The great and Grand Finale was our traditional Last Saturday before Christmas do in the middle of Bolsover. We gave presents to all the kids, took a few quid (£200) we had a few glasses of sherry, thanks to Rileys, and a mulled wine or two.
THERE IS MORE TO ROTARY THAN COLLECTING MONEY WE MADE 800 KIDS AND FAMILIES HAPPY AND DID NOT CHARGE THEM A PENNY.
WELL DONE A GREAT TEAM
Note from the President:
I’m sure you will agree that this is a wonderful example of Rotary at work in our area. If you feel you would like to be a part of the excitement next year, let us know by filling in the contact form.